The playground was closed by Provincial COVID Order in March and has been allowed to open as part of the Reopening of Ontario Phase 3.
Playgrounds will be disinfected twice daily. Parents are encouraged to bring along some wipes and hand sanitizer. Physical distancing of 2 m and wearing face masks is strongly recommended while using the playground equipment.
Every child deserves to feel exhilarated and experience new sights, sounds and textures. It is important that a playground not only meet accessibility standards, it must also provide engaging experiences for all kids to play alongside one another, regardless of their abilities.
The Village has submitted its application for a $10,000 AVIVA grant. The winners are determined by the number of email votes received for the project.
If successful, the funds will be used to provide accessible playground equipment in Lockwood Park. Five years ago our park was an ignored green space in the middle of the Village, with the exception of the ball diamond. Since that time volunteers have fund raised and applied for grants to transform it into a place for sports, leisure and family gatherings. In 2018, a natural playground was built for children without physical challenges and in 2019 we want to continue the inclusive playground development .
For children with challenges, we need an accessible play area and wheelchair-accessible playground equipment so they can play and be children, just like everyone else. Play is crucial for human development, the growth of social skills and self-confidence.
For other children, using playground equipment designed with disabled children in mind can also offer big benefits, such as encourages empathy and other skills that will benefit children throughout their entire lives. Adults who have mobility issues can benefit from wheelchair-accessible playgrounds because these playgrounds allow them to go to the park with their children and grandchildren.
Although Lockwood Park is in the Village of Westport, it is used by many people who live in the township and visitors/tourists.
PLEASE – share this with your family, friends, work colleagues. And encourage them to VOTE, VOTE, VOTE.
Here is the information you will need. Please share the link! Thank you.
Our idea number is 18-327 and the unique link to your idea page is https://www.avivacommunityfund.org/voting/project/view/18-327.
A work bee today (Sept 30) in Lockwood Park saw one huge hole in the ground, 60 cedar long logs, sunny autumn weather and with the hard work of 9 amazing volunteers turn into the skeleton of our playground. Next week the hole will be filled with stones and then the finishing touches can be done to the structure. (So it is still a construction area!).
Many thanks to Paul Snider, Mark Snider, Heather Snider, Ike Doornekamp, Peter Vanderschuit, Frank Huth, Bob Popma, Dave Bylsma and Paul and Henry Millar.
In 2016, Westport Village Council determined that its 2017 Sesquicentennial project would be moving the cenotaph from the fire hall parking lot to a prime location in Lockwood Memorial Field and Park. Today, under the supervision of Josh Doornekamp, the move was completed. Although there is still lots to do to get the area ready for November 11, you can already see why we felt it was important to move the cenotaph to this new location.
The park is also about to get the first phase of its playground. Mr Paul Snider, our CAO, and a group of amazing volunteers will be building the playground on Saturday. Wow!
Take a moment to come to the park. Walk a few laps on the track, sit on one of the benches and visit with friends and family and take a moment to enjoy this jewel in the middle of the village.
Robin, The Mayor 
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